Jim Honeyford on the Issues

Jobs and the economy

I believe we must do more to help our economy recover. I have worked in a bipartisan fashion in the Senate to pass meaningful reforms to our unemployment insurance and worker's compensation systems. There is more work to be done:

I support training and education for displaced workers.

I support easing the tax burden on small businesses.

I oppose onerous regulations that drive up costs.

Creating world class schools

We need to live up to our state's promise to make education our paramount duty. That's why I'm so proud of our efforts to add $1 billion to K-12 education this last year and to hold tuition flat at our state's colleges and universities for the first time in nearly 30 years. Education is about more than money, though, and that's why:

I support more emphasis on classroom instruction and less on administrative bureaucracy.

I support giving principals flexibility to reward success and develop accountability.

I support providing alternative options for students in underperforming schools.

Protecting taxpayers

Government needs to live within its means. For too long, government has spent too much and then expected taxpayers to pick up the tab. We're putting a stop to that by requiring 4-year balanaced budgets, prioritizing spending and holding our word to taxpayers that temporary taxes are not permanent. Here is what I believe and support:

I will continue to fight against harmful tax increases.

I support requiring a 2/3rds vote to raise taxes.

I support a four-year balanced budget to hold spending in line with anticipated future revenues.

I support the Rainy Day fund surplus account to protect against revenue fluctuations and unexpected emergencies.